Category: Uncategorized

 

By Mathilda Tataw, Student Media. Edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications. 

College of Engineering and Computing student Ayham Elayan, a fall 2025 graduate in bioengineering, spent his undergraduate years doing what many students hope to achieve but few manage at his scale: building community on campus, across the region, and around the world.  

When Elayan first came to George Mason University, he felt an ache familiar to many students: the quiet question of belonging. As an Arab American engineering student, he searched George Mason’s landscape of student organizations for a place where he felt seen.  

One afternoon, sitting in a professional development class, he and a friend listened as their instructor listed clubs and affinity groups such as the Society ofHispanic Professional Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers. That’s when a spark caught. 

“ We kind of looked at each other—we’re both Middle Eastern and Arab,” he said, “And we were wondering, why don’t we make an organization for students withour background?”   

Engineering a community of his own 

That conversation became the blueprint for the Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects (AAAEA) at George Mason. Elayan and his friend connected with Arab American students and faculty, pitched the idea to the national organization, and received immediate enthusiasm. 

By the next semester, AAAEA became an officially registered student organization. What began as Elayan’s search for belonging quickly turned into a home for others—a professional, cultural, and academic community. The impact spread almost instantly. Within months, Virginia Tech, the University of Maryland, and George Washington University launched their own chapters.   

Today, AAAEA operates as a regional network across the Washington, D.C., area. Its growth echoes Elayan’s belief that community often flourishes beyond the borders of a single campus. “ I think everything that exists that is successful has to start with someone taking a leap,” he said. “I was grateful to have branched out.”  

Engineering for humanity 

Elayan’s impact didn’t end with regional community-building. As he was helping create spaces for Arab American engineers in the U.S., he was also lookingoutward to global humanitarian work. 

Through George Mason’s Study Abroad program, guided by bioengineering faculty, Elayan traveled to Ecuador, where he helped build prosthetic legs for amputees in need.   

“ That was the first time we had taken students to Ecuador,” said Elayan. “It was a great experience and important to me. I come from an area where people are less fortunate. It’s a big humanitarian crisis. So, when I worked with prosthetics, I just kept tying it back to my country and how I hope to be able to bring it back to them.”  

One patient he worked with—a man who lost a leg due to diabetes—told him the prosthetic “re-enabled” him. Others shared similar experiences. The team watched, over only a week, as several patients took independent steps for the first time in years. 

The experience reframed his understanding of engineering. “I always knew that engineering could make a difference for people’s lives, but it was nice to see it in action and firsthand, especially in bioengineering. It can be challenging, but it’s very rewarding.”  

Elayan hadn’t always planned to study abroad. The idea felt distant until George Mason’s short-term, faculty-led programs reframed what global learning could look like. 

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to study abroad during my time at Mason,” said Elayan, recalling his hesitation. “To others who are hesitant, I suggest taking advantage of the short-term opportunities. I was grateful for those because I didn’t have to spend an entire semester abroad, which can be daunting or scary for people.”  

As graduation approaches, Elayan encourages students to explore the opportunities that feel personally meaningful, “so they can be motivated to succeed and make animpact. We can tackle so much and make an impact across the world,” he said. His story shows that success at George Mason isn’t prescribed; it’s built, discovered, and redefined—one student at a time. 

 

By Tiffany Boggs, Student Media. Edited by Jane Rooney, UL Marketing and Communications. 

Leaving Afghanistan for the United States in 2019, Sahar Qureshi embraced the challenge of earning an education while working full-time, supporting her family, and learning a new culture—a journey that embodies the American Dream. 

Qureshi’s path is grounded in her faith, perseverance, and gratitude. She came to George Mason University in 2023 seeking flexibility and understanding. As a student, she found academic success and a community that helped her grow into the person she has always wanted to become.  

This month, Qureshi will walk across the stage to receive her bachelor’s in operations and supply chain management from the Donald G. Costello College of Business. She will be the first in her family to graduate from college.  Her story reflects how success can be rooted in determination, resilience, and a passion for helping others. 

Born and raised in Afghanistan, she learned from her parents the importance of maintaining strength regardless of the pressure you face. She recalled seeing her father come home every night with a big smile, making everything feel lighter for his children after long hours at work. Her mother would come home after a full day at work,prepare food, and tend to the family’s needs without complaining.    

As an adult starting to handle her own responsibilities, Qureshi recognized the burden her parents carried throughout her childhood. But what stays with her are the sacrifices her parents made when they left everything behind to give their children a better future education.  

“As a child, I never saw the pressure behind their strength. As an adult, I finally understand how much they were balancing and how strong they truly had to be,” she said.  

Open to opportunities 

Qureshi emulated her parents’ perseverance by balancing being a full-time undergraduate student and working full-time. A typical day for Qureshi began with getting ready for work while mentally planning her assignments. During breakfast, she reviewed class notes, responded to group emails, and noted upcoming deadlines. After work, she drove to campus for her evening classes. Those drives became the time she shifted her mindset from “professional responsibilities to academic expectations.” 

She found time to join the business honor society, attend career services events, and excel in her internships. Along the way, she faced challenges like learning English and opening up in the academic environment. Qureshi developed as a leader through her business courses, group projects, and assignments. Besides drawing strength from her parents’ experience, she also relied on her deep faith, supportive professors, and a strong sense of responsibility to seize opportunities on campus.   

The university’s mission to prepare students for the realities of adulthood drew Qureshi to George Mason. “Mason didn’t just give me an education—it gave me the structure, resources, and encouragement I needed to keep moving toward my goals,” she said.  

After graduation, she plans to continue building her career in business and hopes to earn a master’s degree in diplomacy. Her long-term goal is to create global connections and advocate for girls’ education internationally. Qureshi explained that this passion comes from meeting young girls who are “talented, driven, and full of ambition” but don’t have access to the opportunities they deserve. She wants to work in spaces to contribute to policy, international partnerships, and organizational efforts that prioritize educational rights through leadership, advocacy, or community involvement.  

Qureshi defines success as becoming the person her younger self had always imagined. “I am proud that I never gave up. My journey shows other young women that with faith, hard work, and determination, you can rise above any challenge.”  

 

This article was written by Anna Ondieki. Originally appeared on the Student Success Blog by College of Education and Human Development.

Eun Kyung (EK) Choi is a full-time graduate student in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program at George Mason University, and a student parent. EK is also the winner of the Dr. Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award! Keep reading to learn more about EK’s family, and their experience at George Mason.

When asked why she nominated her family for this award, EK shares, “I’m very thankful to my husband.”

Moving from South Korea, EK’s husband worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea with a posting to the Embassy in Washington, DC. After getting married and making this big move, EK chose to pursue a teaching license with the goal of working at international schools around the world.

However, EK’s pursuit of a new degree became uncertain after she gave birth; “I wasn’t sure how I could finish my master’s degree.” That’s when her husband stepped in, deciding to “take a year of parental leave to care for our baby. And it allowed me to focus on my studies. Without his support, it would not have been easy to take my current classes or prepare for my internship next semester.” Thanks to this support, EK has successfully completed her Praxis tests for her internships!

EK lives with her husband and baby in Masonvale, and enjoys walking around Fairfax campus with her baby in a stroller.

Her family also enjoys exploring Virginia’s many beautiful parks, noting, “We often walk to Old Town, especially the Fairfax Regional Library, and stop by De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches for a treat… when we don’t feel like cooking, we eat at Southside or Ike’s.” EK also peruses Mason360 for fun events to attend as a family.

Being part of the George Mason community as both a student and a mom has been a meaningful journey. I hope my story encourages other students who are balancing school and family life.

Eun Kyung Choi

EK’s advice to fellow students balancing family and school:

• Take Care of Your Health: Parenting is a whole new world. No matter how much support you have, it takes energy. I used to stay up finishing work all night and start work early in the morning, and that was my joy. But I can’t do that anymore, haha. I’ve learned to take care of my body and rest when I can. This season of life is different, but it’s precious and full of gratitude.
• Share the Responsibilities: Parenting is not a solo journey. My husband and family’s support has made it possible for me to continue my studies. I also try to respect my husband’s personal time, like going to the gym or seeing friends. It helps us both.
• Use the System: In my case, my husband was able to take one year of paid parental leave, which made this balance possible. In Korea, parents can usually take one year of paid leave plus up to two additional years of unpaid leave. Because this system was so familiar to me, I didn’t fully realize how meaningful it was. However, after talking with Colleen Vesely, my Engaging Families of Diverse Learners professor, I truly came to appreciate not only the existence of this system but also the supportive environment that allows us to use it.
• Find a Supportive Community: I truly appreciate the welcoming community at George Mason. My professors and classmates have supported me during pregnancy, childbirth, and this parenting season. Special thanks to professor Bweikia Steen for creating a warm and inclusive class, to professor Carly Fisher-Maltese for her kindness during my delivery time, and to my friend Jialin for her care before and after birth. Last but not least, to my academic advisor, Kayla Turner, and internship coordinator, Amanda Davis, for constantly checking on me and handling my situations. Families of the Korean Embassy and friends from the diplomatic community have also been so kind. They brought food, took me on little trips to Baltimore, and even bought my favorite bingsoo from Soricha Tea & Theater. I’ve truly felt cared for.

 

On September 23, more than 300 students, faculty, and staff gathered at Wilkins Plaza on the George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus for the Love Life x Mason Minds Matter Suicide Awareness and Prevention Event. The event was a collaborative effort led by Counseling and Psychological  Services (CAPS), Patriots Thriving Together (PTT), Housing and Residence Life (HRL), and the George Mason Police Department (Mason PD). It also featured partners from Student Health Services (SHS), the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC), TimelyCare, and the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being (CWB).

According to the National Institutes of Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college aged individuals worldwide and in the United States. The event aimed to promote mental health and well-being resources while raising awareness of suicide prevention support available to the George Mason community. It continued the momentum of the first Love Life event in September 2024, when CAPS partnered with campus organizations to celebrate life and connect students with care.

Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Calena Creft noted that this year’s collaboration between Mason Minds Matter and Love Life broadened the event’s reach and deepened its impact.

At this year’s event, Wilkins Plaza came alive with music, conversation, and creative activities. Attendees painted pumpkins at the Mason PD table, wrote and exchanged encouraging notes through the “Leave a Message, Take a Message” wall, and picked up free Insomnia Cookies and CAPS T-shirts after completing a resource “Bingo” card by visiting three participating tables.

 

By Tiffany Boggs and Mathilda Tataw, Student Media. Edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications. 

From September 29 – October 1, more than 5,000 George Mason University students filled Dewberry Hall in sharp professional attire and with polished résumés in hand—ready to take the next step toward their careers. 

George Mason’s Career Fair, held each fall and spring semester, is the university’s largest on-campus recruiting event, connecting students with representatives from more than 100 companies and organizations. The event offers opportunities to explore internships, part-time roles, and full-time positions across a range of industries. 

“These are opportunities to get right in front of the employers,” said Philip Wilkerson, employer engagement consultant at University Career Services (UCS). “I like to tell students this is not a place where you can automatically get a job or a magic ticket. It’s a great way to build relationships, get business cards, and stay in touch.”  

Wilkerson added that while the fair is about connections, success begins long before students step into Dewberry Hall. UCS offers one-on-one advising to help students refine résumés, craft cover letters, and practice introductions—transforming nerves into confidence. “Confidence comes with preparation,” he said. “The more prepared you are, the more confident you are.”

Mary Claire Kraft, employer outreach manager for UCS, expanded on that idea by highlighting the value of research and intentionality. “Number one, check Handshake, so that when students meet an employer they’re interested in, they can share one thing they know about them,” she said. “All of these employers are here to meet you—the student. There is no better expert on you than yourself.”

Iman Chaudhry, a sophomore Honors College student majoring in management information systems, approached the fair with an open mindset. “I think it’s important not to limit yourself, even if you have a specific major,” she said. “There are still benefits to attending all days of the Career Fair.”

Lilliana Russell, a freshman majoring in civil and infrastructure engineering, attended her first fair eager to learn. She arrived early with a list of employers to meet and a curiosity about what her field has to offer. “I’m really just trying to scope out what the different companies in my field are and maybe score an internship,” she said.

Russell added that her nerves faded once she began speaking with recruiters. “Once I got to know everyone and saw how excited they were to talk with students, I let go of the preconceived notions about the event,” she said.

Brook Haiamr, a junior, offered simple advice for future fair attendees. “Go in with confidence, get your name out there, and show genuine enthusiasm,” she said.

Kraft closed with a final reminder: “Practice if it makes you feel comfortable,” she said. “But resist the urge to go robotic. Be authentic—they came to meet you.”

What’s next: Students can keep the momentum going at the Internship Fair on Thursday, October 23—another chance to research organizations, meet recruiters, and convert preparation into opportunity.